Supreme Court Halts NCPCR's Directive on Madrassas

The Supreme Court has temporarily halted NCPCR recommendations that urged states to transfer students from unrecognized Madrassas to government schools, citing potential Right to Education Act violations. This move followed a petition from Jamiat Ulema-I-Hind challenging the directives' legality and constitutional impact.

The Supreme Court has intervened in a contentious directive issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), which called for the transfer of students from unrecognized madrassas to government schools. On Monday, the bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud issued an interim stay on the recommendations, highlighting concerns over alleged violations of the Right to Education Act.

Jamiat Ulema-I-Hind, an Islamic clerics' organization, petitioned the apex court, arguing that the NCPCR's sweeping directive lacked legal validity and threatened fundamental constitutional rights. Represented by counsel Indira Jaising, the Muslim body contended that these directives could adversely affect educational opportunities and religious freedoms.

The NCPCR had expressed severe concerns regarding the operation of madrassas, urging the withdrawal of state funding and recognition for those not complying with the RTE Act, 2009. The Uttar Pradesh and Tripura governments had responded by initiating investigations and drafting actions to ensure compliance, leading to legal actions and the Supreme Court's intervention.

(With inputs from agencies.)